BOARD OF FINANCE WORKSHOP
MINUTES
MAY 28, 2003
I. CALL TO ORDER – Chairman Harrison called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. in the Avon Room, Town Hall. Present were Messrs. Gugliotti, Hooper, McGuff, Monts, Speich and Zacchio.
II. OLD BUSINESS – The Chairman reported to the audience that tonight’s workshop is to recommend modifications to the rejected budget. After we have determined what modifications are necessary, we will then recommend a total budget to the Town Council. The recommended budget will be voted upon at a Referendum to be held June 4th at the Community Room, Avon Senior Center. He reported we will not have public comment at this Workshop.
The Chairman reported that after considering all the comments made at last night’s Public Hearing he is of the opinion that serious cuts will be necessary to present a budget that will be acceptable. His personal feeling is that we should consider a budget that will increase the mill rate no more than 1 mill which would require 3.66% increase over the current budget, or a total of some $272,000 reductions from the Board of Education, leaving them with a 5.6% increase over the current budget. He would further request the Town Council delete the dump truck from the Capital Improvement Plan and restore the Police Officer and the Cruiser. He is against using any surplus at this time. He then asked the other members to comment.
Mr. Zacchio agrees with the 3.7% or less, also with restoring the Cruiser and Police Officer but does not want to delete the dump truck. He also feels we should not use Surplus at this time.
Mr. Speich indicated he is not in favor of using Surplus at this time and that another police officer is important, but we should leave those decisions to the Town Council. He feels the entire amount of reductions should be allocated to the Board of Education and that it is important for all departments to consider ways to cut costs before next year’s budget comes before this Board.
Mr. McGuff is recommending a 3.66% or 1 mill increase. He feels the Police Officer is important and that the truck should be deleted. He toured the bathrooms at Avon Middle School and found they are in deplorable condition. He feels the $207,900 reductions should be from the Board of Education’s budget and that we should consider use of surplus for the 2004/05 budget to offset the affects of the revaluation.
Mr. Hooper agrees with the 3.7 or3.66% reductions, all from the Board of Education Budget. He feels the truck could be delayed and that we should not consider the Surplus at this time.
Mr. Monts is looking to a 3.9% reduction, split 50/50, eliminating the truck from the Capital Improvement Program and no addition of a police officer or cruiser. He is against using Surplus funds.
Mr. Gugliotti reported he is disappointed that people just do not understand this process – he would like to see more agreement and support for the budgets. He reported the three boards, the Town Manager and all people involved work very hard. He does appreciate that everyone involved in the budget process seems to be more responsive this year. His recommendation is a 3.9% increase, no use of surplus, and 60/40 split. He also feels we should let the Council decide where and when to make adjustments, although he would like to see the officer added to the staff.
Mr. Hines, Chairman of the Town Council, reported he doesn’t like the Board of Finance making decisions for the Town Council. The Council works very closely with the Town Manager and therefore is more aware of such things as grants that become available, specifically for the police department. The Town Manager spoke on possible grant availability and how the programs work and the time frame necessary to recruit and train new recruits and the amounts of money available for these programs.
After further discussion, the Chairman indicated it appears five members prefer 3.66% or 3.7% and two members would like 3.9%,
On a motion made by Mr. Hooper, seconded by Mr. Speich, it was voted:
RESOLVED: That the Board of Finance recommends a budget increase of 1 mill over the past year’s budget.
Messrs. Harrison, Gugliotti, Hooper, Speich and Zacchio voted in favor. Messrs. McGuff and Monts voted nay.
On a motion made by Mr. Harrison, seconded by Mr. Speich, it was voted:
RESOLVED: That the Board of Finance recommends to the Town Council, a modified budget that would call for a 1 mill increase, calling for $272,786 additional reductions from the Board of Education and $16,820 from the Town Council for a total Town budget of $53,729,839.
Messrs. Harrison, Gugliotti, Hooper, McGuff, Monts, Speich and Zacchio voted in favor.
III. OTHER BUSINESS – None.
IV. ADJOURN
There being no further business, the Chairman declared the meeting adjourned at 8:10 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Thomas A. Gugliotti, Secretary
Attest: Elinor Burns, Clerk
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